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Published on: January 5, 2012
Deer mouse movements in peridomestic and sylvan settings in relation to Sin Nombre virus antibody prevalence
Richard J Douglass1, William J Semmens, Stephanie Jo Matlock-Cooley
1Department of Biology, Montana Tech, University of Montana, 1300 West Park St., Butte, Montana 59701, USA. rdouglass@mtech.edu
Abstract:
Prevalence of antibody to Sin Nombre virus (SNV) has been found to be nearly twice as high in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in peridomestic settings as in sylvan settings in two studies in Montana and one in New Mexico. We investigated whether this difference may be related to a difference in deer mouse movements in the two settings. We used radiotelemetry to determine home range size and length of movement for 22 sylvan (1991-1992) and 40 peridomestic deer mice (1995-1999). We also determined the percentage of locations inside versus outside of buildings for peridomestic mice. Though variable, average home range size for female deer mice was significantly smaller for peridomestic deer mice than for sylvan deer mice. The smaller home range in peridomestic settings may concentrate shed SNV, and protection from solar ultraviolet radiation inside buildings may increase environmental persistence of SNV. Both these factors could lead to increased SNV exposure of deer mice within peridomestic populations and result in higher antibody prevalence. Peridomestic deer mice moved between buildings and outside areas, which is evidence that SNV can be transmitted between peridomestic and sylvan populations.
Insights
Deer mice living near homes have higher Sin Nombre virus (SNV) antibody prevalence due to smaller home ranges and increased virus survival indoors. This suggests SNV transmission between peridomestic and wild populations.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Virology
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Higher Sin Nombre virus (SNV) antibody prevalence observed in peridomestic deer mice compared to sylvan populations.
- Previous studies in Montana and New Mexico indicated nearly double the prevalence in peridomestic settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate if differences in deer mouse movement patterns explain higher SNV prevalence in peridomestic environments.
- Assess the relationship between habitat, movement, and Sin Nombre virus exposure.
Main Methods:
- Radiotelemetry used to track movement and determine home range size for sylvan and peridomestic deer mice.
- Quantified percentage of locations inside versus outside buildings for peridomestic mice.
- Data collected from 22 sylvan (1991-1992) and 40 peridomestic (1995-1999) deer mice.
Main Results:
- Peridomestic female deer mice exhibited significantly smaller average home ranges than sylvan deer mice.
- Deer mice in peridomestic settings moved between indoor and outdoor locations.
- Smaller home ranges may concentrate virus shedding, and indoor environments may enhance SNV persistence.
Conclusions:
- Reduced home range size and potential for increased environmental persistence of Sin Nombre virus indoors contribute to higher antibody prevalence in peridomestic deer mice.
- Movement patterns indicate potential for SNV transmission between peridomestic and sylvan deer mouse populations.
- Peridomestic environments may facilitate increased SNV exposure and transmission dynamics.
